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In this Update:
- The Importance of Holocaust Education and Support of Israel
- Fairfield Fire & EMS Appreciation & Awards Banquet
- York Springs Fire Co No 1 Appreciation & Awards Banquet
- Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Budget Proposal
- PennDOT Shares Roadwork Info with Motorists
- Protect Your Family from Dangerous Radon
- Help is Available for Problem Gambling
- Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
The Importance of Holocaust Education and Support of Israel
Monday, March 11th I held a press conference in the Main Rotunda, of the State Capitol regarding my legislation, SB1100, Holocaust Education in Schools. I was joined by the following:
Representative Stephanie Borowicz, 76th District
Alexandra Levine, world-renowned opera singer and advocate for holocaust education
Rabbi Joseph Kolakowski, Koblentzer Rebbe
Rhonda Fink-Whitman, award-winning screenwriter and Holocaust education advocate
Allan Silverberg, Committee Chair, Holocaust Remembrance Education Program
Keynote Speaker: Sami Steigmann, Holocaust survivor
For more information on SB1100, please read the memoranda at, Holocaust Education in Schools.
Please enjoy these short clips of the press conference.
3/11/24-Mastriano-Holocaust Remembrance 3 (vimeo.com)
3/11/24-Mastriano-Holocaust Remembrance 4 (vimeo.com)
3/11/24-Fink-Whitman-Holocaust Remembrance (vimeo.com)
3/11/24-Kolakowski-Holocaust Remembrance (vimeo.com)
3/11/24-Levine-Holocaust Remembrance (vimeo.com)
3/11/24-Borowitz-Holocaust Remembrance (vimeo.com)
3/11/24-Silverberg-Holocaust Remembrance (vimeo.com)
3/11/24-Steigmann-Holocaust Remembrance 1 (vimeo.com)
3/11/24-Steigmann-Holocaust Remembrance 2 (vimeo.com)
Fairfield Fire & EMS Appreciation & Awards Banquet
Saturday evening I was honored to attend the Fairfield Fire & EMS Award Banquet & Celebration. Thank you for servicing our community! All respect to these heroes.
York Springs Fire Co No 1 Appreciation & Awards Banquet
Saturday evening I was in Adams county at the York Springs Fire Co No 1 Appreciation & Awards Banquet. It was an honor celebrating with firefighters and their families. My respect to these heroes!
Senate Finishes Review of Shapiro’s Budget Proposal
The Senate Appropriations Committee finished the last of its review of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, which totals more than $48.3 billion and would increase state spending by 7.1% above the current year’s budget. The governor’s proposal would completely drain the state’s savings and relies on income and spending estimates that are unrealistic.
The Department of Revenue and Governor’s Budget Office hearing focused on the report issued by the non-partisan Independent Fiscal Office that indicates a $24 billion gap between Shapiro’s spending plans and the revenue the state expects to collect in the next five years. These projections show it will be all but impossible to balance budgets in the next five years without deep spending cuts and massive tax increases.
At the Department of Health hearing, the committee questioned why – as with other departments – the budget shows level funding over five years, which denies legislators the information to accurately assess the ultimate impact on taxpayers. Shapiro proposed spending $4 million to pay the medical debt of certain Pennsylvanians, and members asked for details about how the money will be distributed and if the program will necessitate additional staffing.
Having completed the official review of Shapiro’s budget proposal, the Senate will use its findings from the hearings to craft its own spending plan, with the goal of enacting a final 2024-25 state budget. Find video and recaps of every budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com.
PennDOT Shares Roadwork Info with Motorists
As the weather improves, there will be more roadwork. To inform motorists about construction projects that are underway, beginning this year or being bid, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers an informational portal.
It has a mapping application for highway and bridge projects that allows users to obtain information about roadwork projects.
For travel information, visit www.511pa.com or call 5-1-1. 511PA is Pennsylvania’s official travel information service, which provides travelers with reliable, current traffic and weather information, as well as links to other transportation services.
Protect Your Family from Dangerous Radon
Radon is an odorless, invisible, radioactive gas that can enter your home from the ground through cracks in the foundation. It increases cancer risks and is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Pennsylvania has one of the most serious radon problems in the country. Approximately 40% of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action guideline.
Find information how to test your home’s radon level and find certified radon mitigation contractors here.
Help is Available for Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling Awareness Month, observed in March, promotes prevention, treatment and recovery services.
Sadly, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians experience gambling-related problems, including family, financial, legal and emotional issues. Gambling problems can be mild or very serious, and can worsen with time.
Individuals seeking treatment for compulsive or problem gambling can call Pennsylvania’s helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) to connect with local help. People can also text 1-800-522-4700 or live chat.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Saint Patrick, who lived in the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to the country.
Even though the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday for more than 1,000 years, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in America. Records show the first parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Fla.
“May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” – Irish blessing
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